What to do in specific emergencies?

There are things you can do to help prepare for extreme weather or other emergencies in order to reduce the impact of these events on you, your family and friends.

Heatwave

A 'Heat-Health watch' system operates from 1 June to 15 September which, based on Met Office forecasts, will trigger levels of response from the Department of Health, the NHS, Social Services and other bodies. The heatwave threshold for the South East of England is 31C day time and 16C at night time as these temperatures could have a significant effect on health if reached on at least two consecutive days.

Protection during a Heatwave

If you cannot avoid strenuous outdoor activity such as sport, DIY or gardening, do it during the cooler parts of the day like early morning

If you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light, loose fitting clothes, preferably cotton.

If you are outside for some time, take plenty of water with you

Keep windows closed whilst the room is cooler than it is outside. Open them when the temperature inside rises, and at night for ventilation. If you are worried about security, at least open windows on the first floor and above.

Stay in the coolest rooms as much as possible

Close the curtains in rooms that get a lot of sun

Take cool showers or baths, and splash yourself several times a day with cold water, particularly your face and the back of your neck

Drink water or fruit juices. Drink regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty

Eat as you normally would. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain water

Contact your doctor, a pharmacist or NHS Direct if suffering from the effects of heatwave.

Pets and Hot Weather

Follow seasonal advice from the RSPCA on keeping pets and animals safe.

We'd also like to remind you NOT to cool off in open water as this can be extremely dangerous - there were two water-related fatalities in Milton Keynes last year – the only safe place to swim is in a swimming pool.

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